Free To Wed in Texas by Jodi Thomas Page B

at her and smiled. “You did a fine job today, but stay alert. The trouble may not be over. I’ll be back soon.”

EIGHT

    K
    ARLEE STAYED WITH AMYANN UNTIL HER NEIGHBORS
    came to take the new mother home. The women might have been afraid to come to the cemetery during the funeral, but they promised to stay with AmyAnn and the baby until she was able to get around by herself.
    To Karlee’s surprise they all took turns hugging her as if she were a long time member of their circle. Several promised to come by and visit. She’d never felt so welcomed in her life.
    Karlee hugged the new mother and kissed the baby, then walked home alone in the late afternoon sun. She’d stuffed the derringer in the pocket of her skirt. “Forget about it,” she told herself, but the thumping of metal against her leg kept reminding her that she carried a weapon.
    All the day’s stress pressed over her body, tiring muscles and making her step heavy. Blood and dirt splattered the front of her dress. Her hair ribbon had disappeared. She knew she looked a fright, but she’d never felt so satisfied.
    She’d done something right! All day, as AmyAnn slept in the grass and Karlee cradled the baby, she’d felt a pride in herself unlike she’d ever known. The doctorleft them in her care, trusting her to do what was right. He’d ordered Karlee not to move the little widow until he finished his rounds and came back to make sure she was strong enough to travel.
    When he returned, he told Karlee that if she ever needed a position as a nurse, she had one with him.
    Karlee opened the kitchen door, thinking how odd life was. A week ago she had no way of supporting herself, and today she’d been offered her second job. Maybe when Daniel didn’t need her to watch the twins any longer, she could visit with the doctor. She was sure nurses didn’t make much, but she didn’t need much. She could rent a room and live alone.
    “About time you got home, Cousin,” Wolf boomed in welcome. “I’m worn out playing with these two. Danny left an hour ago, saying he’d be back before dark. I don’t think I’ll stay alive if I don’t get some relief.”
    Karlee looked past Wolf to the kitchen. Forty field hands could have done no more damage. Pots and pans were everywhere on the floor. Dirty dishes filled the sink.
    “Wish I could stay and help you clean up.” Wolf stood slowly and moved toward the door as she walked around the room. “But I got to go. A bar fight looks down right restful at this point.”
    He broke into a run as if he feared she might catch him and make him help. Karlee laughed at the sight of such a cowardly uncle. The twins joined her by dancing around and giggling.
    “What have you two and Uncle Wolf been doing?” Karlee brushed their hair with her hand.
    One of the girls proudly showed off a paper chain necklace. “We made paper chains. Uncle Wolf didn’t know how to make the paste, so he tried lots of ways.”
    “And he made us jelly sandwiches with eggs inside,” the other twin added. “And we drank coffee with creamfrom the tea cups. And he said we didn’t have to take a nap, just because.”
    The first twin nodded.
    They didn’t need to list their activities for the day, Karlee could read it on their clothes. Jelly, flour, dried paste, coffee stains.
    “Well, I’ve got one last treat for you.” Karlee reached for the tub leaning in the corner.
    Ten minutes later, she had both twins playing in a bath of warm water while she washed the dishes a few feet away at the sink.
    By the time she toweled them off, their skin was all wrinkly, and they were too sleepy to dress themselves. She gave each a cup of buttermilk with cornbread pieces crumbled up in it.
    They ate their supper, then didn’t complain as she carried them up to bed. Karlee was a little surprised when both hugged and kissed her cheek goodnight. Somehow the sleepy little hugs and the buttermilk kisses made it all worthwhile.
    Karlee crossed to her bedroom